Choosing the right dental compressor might not seem like the most exciting decision you’ll make for your practice, but trust us, it’s one of the most important. 

Think of it like the engine of your setup – when it’s reliable, everything just works. 

Your tools stay in top shape, your procedures run like clockwork, and your patients stay comfortable. 

But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the different types of compressors available to the must-have features that will keep your practice humming along without a hitch.

What is a dental compressor?

Dental compressors are the workhorses behind the scenes, powering the tools that make today’s dental care safe, efficient, and effective. 

They supply clean, dry air to everything from handpieces, polishers, and handpiece oiling systems.

Without a dental compressor, many routine dental procedures simply wouldn’t be possible. 

How does a compressor work?

When choosing a compressor, it’s important to understand how it operates so you can recognise the key features that matter most for your practice. Here’s a quick breakdown: 

Air intake: the compressor draws in ambient air from the environment, which gets filtered to remove any dust or impurities, making sure only clean air enters the system. 

Compression: once the air is inside, the air is compressed using a piston or rotary screw mechanism. This increases the pressure of the air, allowing it to be stored efficiently. 

Cooling: compressing air generates heat. As such, compressors are equipped with a cooling system to ensure air remains at a suitable temperature. 

Drying: after cooling, the air then passes through a dryer to remove moisture. 

Storage: the dry, compressed air is stored in a tank, which acts as a reservoir, allowing for a steady supply of air to be accessed when needed. 

Distribution: the compressor releases stored air through specialised lines to dental your equipment.

What features should you prioritise?

When it comes to compressors, you want to make sure you’re making a smart investment. 

As the driving force behind much of your dental equipment, it’s a pivotal decision that can shape the success of your practice. 

To help you select the best option, let’s examine the key features you need to keep in mind:

Oil-free vs. oil-lubricated

This is the first decision to make. Oil-free compressors are the go-to choice in modern dental practices, and for good reason. 

They not only produce cleaner air – essential for maintaining a sterile environment – but also require significantly less maintenance. 

In contrast, oil-lubricated compressors may offer durability, but they come with a significant drawback: the risk of oil contaminants in the air and hand tools, which is a big no-no for bonding procedures.  

Plus, they demand constant maintenance and frequent filter changes, which can drain both your time and resources. 

In most cases, going oil-free is the smarter, safer choice. It streamlines your operations and prioritises patient safety.

Air quality

Moisture in your compressed air? Not good.  

Dental handpieces can be sensitive to moisture, and excess water in the system can lead to rusting or malfunctions. 

 A dry air system or built-in air dryer is vital to ensure the air coming through is clean and dry. 

Also look for a compressor with a good filtration system that can effectively remove contaminants.

Capacity and pressure

Can your compressor handle multiple pieces of equipment without running out of air? When compressors are overworked, the bearings in the handpiece will seize due to excess heat as the compressed air also acts as a cooling system. 

To figure out what compressor you need, think about how many people might be using it at the same time. 

Air requirement is usually measured in litres per minute at a certain pressure. For most dental practices, a minimum of 50 litres per minute at 5 bar pressure per chair is recommended. But if you have a lot of tools to run, you’ll need more air, so getting a compressor at the right specification is paramount.

It’s worth reaching out to a few compressor suppliers to figure out exactly how much air you’ll need as different dental chairs require different volumes of air. 

Additionally, don’t forget to factor in the individual pressure requirements of your dental tools, usually expressed in bar (remember, 1 bar equals 14.5 PSI). 

Most dental equipment operates at a pressure of around 5 bar, although some tools may need as much as 10 bar.

To keep your compressor in tip-top shape, it’s a good idea to pick one that offers more airflow than you actually require to prevent it from constantly running at full throttle. A little extra muscle will extend its lifespan and save you on your electricity costs.

Tank size

Your tank size matters too. A larger tank means more air storage, which is super helpful during high-demand situations. With a big enough tank, you’ll have a steady supply of air throughout, so your compressor won’t have to constantly kick in and out. 

If your tank is on the smaller side, you could be left high and dry mid-task if your compressor suddenly kicks in because air supply is running low.

Unexpected interruptions and fluctuations in air pressure can lead to inconsistent results. 

Plus, the more your compressor has to cycle on and off, the harder it has to work, resulting in more wear and tear. 

It’s all about keeping a steady, continuous air supply so you can focus on what really matters: providing great dental care!

Noise level

How quiet is your compressor? Nobody wants a machine that sounds like a jet engine running in the background. 

And let’s be honest – for patients, the dental drill can be intimidating, and the added roar of a noisy compressor doesn’t help.  

A low decibel rating is the way to go; it helps create a calmer, more comfortable atmosphere for everyone. 

Many models also come with noise-reducing features like silencers or acoustic hoods. Make sure to ask your preferred supplier for the information.

Energy efficiency

Running a dental practice means managing operating costs, and compressors can be energy hungry.  

Opting for a high-efficiency compressor can keep those electricity bills in check.  

Space requirements

Compressors aren’t exactly petite. You’ll need to factor in how much space you have available.  

Some are designed to be more compact and can fit under counters or in small rooms, while others require a dedicated space.

Durability

Look for models made with durable materials and read up on their reliability. Reputation matters – trusted brands that are known for quality and service often have better warranties and long-term support.  

On that note, let’s explore some of the best compressor ranges currently on the market.

The best dental air compressors

Oil-less compressors

Cattani’s range of compact compressors produce clean, dry, oil-less air, protecting the dental unit, rotary instruments, staff and patients alike in modern and demanding practices. 

Cattani compressors deliver both high quality and reliability to the end user, and their competitive pricing means that you can get the system you need at the best possible price. All of their compressors are hand built and quality checked at every stage of production.

Their compressor receivers are coated internally with Silver Ion Technology, manufactured by BioCote. This coating delivers highly effective protection against microbes such as bacteria and mould. It has also been specifically formulated to last for, at very least, the functional life of the compressor without losing any of its efficacy.

Cattani also uses the simplest possible drying system which has a self-purging and conditioning drying column. Again, these drying columns are designed to require a minimum of necessary maintenance.

They have a full and expansive range of oil-less compressors, from single surgery through to large multi surgery clinics all the way through to significant, bespoke plant systems for hospitals.

Cattani also have an entire line of compressors specifically for use with milling machines. These compressors have upgraded parts which allow them to run at a higher operating pressure (8 bar to 10 bar), making it possible for the compressor to deal with the extra stresses when used with milling machines at these higher operating pressures

Compressor models are available in single and three phase power supplies, depending on individual requirements.

Cattani’s compressors, when correctly specified, will deliver the minimum requirements of 50 litres/minute per chair (at 5 bar pressure) when running simultaneously.

Sound reducing hoods

All of Cattani’s compressors up to the AC900 model, can be supplied with fitted sound reducing hoods, though for the AC1200 and AC1800 these cannot be fitted.

If you wish to purchase a Quiet or “Q” version, then this also needs to be requested at time of purchase. The reason for this is that there are differences in the receiver designs. As such it is not possible for a standard compressor to have these sound reducing hoods retro-fitted after purchase.

Cattani do offer specific acoustic housings for their AC100, AC200 and AC300 compressors. The housing is built around the compressor upon installation which significantly reduces running noise to an impressive 52dB(A].

Compressor system accessories

Cattani’s compressors when installed correctly would normally supply air at a dewpoint from -3° to +5°. Should there be a requirement for drier air then they are able to supply an upgrade within the bounds of HTM 2022 – this will bring the dewpoint down much further than this, to a value in excess of -30°C – the upgrade includes the addition of an extra water separator prior to the drying system along with a manifold which includes further filtration, test points, pressure gauge and regulator. These upgrade kits are hand assembled, fitted and pressure tested in house prior to dispatch.

Medical device product registration

As Cattani’s oil-less compressor systems are now classified as medical devices, it is now a requirement (as of the 1st April 2022) for any new compressor to be registered via their SmartApp upon installation by the installing company.

Protect your system – product warranties

Cattani’s oil-less compressor systems are supplied with a 12-month warranty which will be increased to a 5-year warranty upon registration on the SmartApp. An extended 2-year warranty can also be purchased with the unit at point of sale to increase the warranty further to 7 years. It is important to note that these warranties are also subject to proof of annual servicing per the recommended schedule.

Cattani oil-less compressor range

Cattani UK supply various oil-less compressors from single to multiple surgery systems.

Single surgery systems

Multiple surgery systems

Large clinics

For full technical specifications for each of the above systems, please check the Cattani website. Should your requirement be for something larger still than the above, then please contact Cattani directly either via email [email protected] or call 01527877997. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right compressor is all about finding that perfect balance.  

While there are several factors to consider, keep your focus on three elements: high performance, operational efficiency, and, of course, patient comfort. 

Thanks to today’s innovations, a compressor that achieves all three is entirely possible. 

Look for models that operate quietly, preserving the calm and professionalism of your practice, yet can handle the hustle and bustle of a busy day with ease – all while keeping maintenance to a minimum. 

And remember, never compromise on air quality. Clean air is essential for creating a hygienic environment for both your patients and your instruments!